Ramblings of a gecko veteran....

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Last August it has been 16 years I have been working with geckos, and I am tired. I have spent countless hours not only with my own geckos, but online reading and commenting, being and Administrator for this very website since it's very first day online. I have shared my successes as well as my failures, answered thousands of emails and private messages trying to help. I have written numerous articles, live interviews, complied technical and practical information to share. I'll guarantee that if there is not something I have experienced first-hand, I have at least heard of it.

Yet, many of you don't even know who I am, and many that do think I am 'old-school'. That's OK... I don't do what I do for this many years to win popularity contests, introduce new morphs, or have an ego the size of the continent of Africa. I do this because I truly love my reptiles, and YOUR success is MY success. I CARE.

But I care more for my animals than anything else. I am starting to wonder if there is a place for me anymore in this 'new' community and environment. There is an old saying that goes something like... "Quit while you're ahead". The problem is, that I really don't care WHO is ahead. Keeping animals should not be a contest in my opinion. I'm TIRED.

This year in 2012 may very well be the last year that Golden Gate Geckos operates as a business unless I can rethink my role in the scheme of things. I am perfectly content just keeping my reptiles because they bring me joy... not because they might bring me money, or glory, or credibility. I truly just want to love them, watch them grow, observe their behavior, pay attention to their needs. It shouldn't be as complicated as it has become for me... or them.

I haven't made this decision impulsively. It's been something I've been contemplating for a few years. It is going to be so hard for me to decide which of my beloved animals stay, and which ones go. It would be easier to just cut the cord and let everything go 'lock, stock, and barrel', but I am more afraid of making the wrong decision than anything! Can I bear to think I will never see their beautiful faces again? How do I choose? They are so much more to me than a list of inventory. What will I do without them?

Anyway, the bottom line is... I'M TIRED. Tired of the crap. Tired of the drama. Tired of stepping on anybody's toes. Tired of stressing about whether or not my geckos sell. Tired of potential customers wanting something for nothing. Tired of worrying about other people's geckos when they themselves obviously don't care. Tired of everything except my geckos!

Yes, 2012 will bring some significant changes at Golden Gate Geckos. Hopefully, those changes will be for the best.

 

[NinjaDuo]

That's unfortunate :/ I hope you stay in the business so I can purchase some Levi's in the future from you

 

[Russellm0704]

It seems that you have spent countless days, months, and years trying to decide what's best for you in the future. Whatever you decide to, I'm glad you are doing what you feel is right. I'm sorry that you feel the youth of this hobby doesn't care for their geckos. There are more of us who care than don't but many just don't show their faces. All I know is that whenever I needed help, you were always quick to reply. I hope you choose the best possible option with your actual geckos but I really hope you keep helping the people who don't have as much experience as you do. You really do help a lot of people and their geckos and prolong their geckos health and life. Look, I'm just a college student who has only been in the hobby for 6 years, but the absence of GGG on geckoforums would be a tremendous loss for all the members and for all the people who just come to the forums for answers.

 

[andrew5859]

Marcia, I truly believe that this "gecko mania" as I call it lasts only as long as you wish. Dealing with geckos, the stress and people none the less would be tiring after 16 years for sure, heck you've had geckos longer than I have been alive! You were one of the first people I had heard about when I started with these geckos and have helped me along with everyone else along their way in one way or another.

To be someone that truly cares about their animals get out of the hobby is a shame and would be one less of the very few. There are very few people I would turn to for advice and you are one of them. As you stated you dont care who's ahead you do it because you love your animals and care for them and for that should be enough motivation to keep ahead!

None the less I do hope no matter what you do you continue giving everyone the great advice even with their "I dont care" attitude on the forum and in general. If you think your "gecko mania" time is done so be it. I think no matter what you decide, you would do it for the best and everyone would support it.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I'm sorry that you feel the youth of this hobby doesn't care for their geckos.

I don't feel that way at all! My comments are purely personal, and for those that those comments apply to, well, they can figure it out.

 

[Russellm0704]

I don't feel that way at all! My comments are purely personal, and for those that those comments apply to, well, they can figure it out.

I misinterpreted that part of your post, it's late haha. I'm just saying that if you do decide to step away from the gecko world for a while, please come back periodically to answer a few questions

 

[StellarExotics]

Marcia, (if I may) We don't know each other, and I'm new to this forum, but I feel your posts... I have read many of them, and can FEEL your sincerity, and passion for your animals..and OURS as well.

I encourage you to "hang in there" as long as possible, and I wish you the BEST for 2012.

Thank you for all you have done for us.

 

[Wolvenspawn]

Well even me being new to this community I know who you are. (Perhaps not in depth) But I wouldn't use the term, "Old School." I would use the term, "Wise One!" I know I value your commitment and dedication, as well as your expertise! It was funny the other day going to my local pet shop and I hjappened to ask where he picked up his Tangelos. He said he had gone to a show and bought them from a golden something. I in return said, "Golden Gate Geckos?" He was like yeah I think so. I said her name is Marcia.. He replied yeah it was a woman. After knowing that I want to purchase the 2 he got from you because I know their breeding is excellent. He just has them priced pretty high. lol So I am waiting to see if he will come down in price. I just wanted to say that I think highly of you and your geckos as well as have a very deep respect and admiration for you as well. I hope this new year can bring you closer to what you desire as well as not isolating you from those of us who consider you A+ in our books...
Thanks you so much for everything of you, you have put into this!
Jamie Berry

 

[Wild West Reptile]

Anyway, the bottom line is... I'M TIRED. Tired of the crap. Tired of the drama. Tired of stepping on anybody's toes. Tired of stressing about whether or not my geckos sell. Tired of potential customers wanting something for nothing. Tired of worrying about other people's geckos when they themselves obviously don't care. Tired of everything except my geckos!

I understand all of that Marcia, especially the drama part and the customers wanting something for nothing. I have cut back on the drama part by not posting as much as I used to and just keeping my thoughts to myself to avoid the all out attack some people will throw at you. I think what's happened is that there are just way too many leopard geckos on the market right now and it seems that almost everyone is trying their hand at breeding them which leads to people wanting them for next to nothing. It makes sense as it's a simple supply and demand issue. I have thought and thought and re-thought my breeding plans for this year and I'm not sure if I'm going to even try producing more than a couple of "rare" morphs. I don't think I will be able to get rid of some of the more common morphs being one of the "new guys" on the block and I don't want to contribute to the over population of the "orange gecko" if you know what I mean. Nothing wrong with them, but everyone and their brother is producing them. I had plans to breed around 10 different projects this year, but right now it's down to 3. I am going to put most of my time and effort into African Fat Tails, a market I see exploding here shortly and work on my Ball Python breeding as well.

I personally have been to your house and seen the diversity of your collection of animals. You have a real talent and passion for these little animals and I truly hope you don't get out of this hobby anytime soon. You have helped me treat some of my geckos by giving me the knowledge and confidence I needed when I had sick geckos and for that I thank you.

I know you will kick this decision around a few more times (probably more) and come to a conclusion that is best for you and for your awesome collection of geckos and snakes. You are a true asset to the reptile community and no matter what decision you make, I don't think anyone will forget how much time and effort you have given to make sure your geckos as well as others were taken care of the best they could be taken care of.

Now about those Nature's Spirit incubators you have…..

 

[M_surinamensis]

I had a long post typed out. All about the value of experience and the perception of inexperience, with some wry self deprecating "remember that one time..." bits. I can write long posts. What it all boiled down to though was something profound yet simple, so I'm just going to put it plainly.

I would miss seeing you around.

 

[Big Red One]

Marcia,

I think I understand where you are coming from.....

I haven't kept geckos for anywhere near as long as you have, but have been 'around' for a number of years. Even in that space of time attitudes have changed, there's a definite 'must have it now' attitude, however this is in my opinion an attitude of the wider world as well as within the reptile keeping community.
I am posting far less on forums, as I am fed up with well intentioned advice being questioned and pulled apart, often by people who really, honestly do not understand what they are trying to talk about.
My attitude is that if people are no longer capable of taking advice, then I'll keep myself to
myself and concentrate on my own things. They can do whatever they see fit....

Anyway, I hope you keep the enjoyment of your reps in whatever capacity you see fit, do what you need to do for yourself.

All the best......

 

[fl_orchidslave]

It seems like anymore people become an "expert" within two weeks of having their first pet gecko. Very frustrating. Then they want another........ and another. Suddenly they're a breeder. No vet is in the picture..... I don't have the patience for it either. All I can do is shake my head at some of these threads and move on. This forum is still the best, even if people who really know their stuff don't post much.

Marcia, you've been an asset to the gecko world for many years, and I'm certain that you'll do what ever is right for you and your animals.

 

[OnlineGeckos]

As a new breeder I've learned so much from you, not to mention I own one of your finest animals. In all lines of work, including sports teams, you need a good balance between youth and veteran. Experience is something you just can't replace, no books or money out there can buy that. I hope you'll stick around, and ignore the drama and bs from other people. Don't let others push you out of a hobby that you enjoy.

We are in the age of internet anonymity, and people tend to be bolder and say the things they normally wouldn't say face to face. You can't change that with internet forums, people are always going to be people. But what's important is to know that there are others that appreciate your knowledge and advice, old school or not.

 

[sausage]

There is not much that I can say because I am but an insignificant person among thousands, apart from that it will be a sad day for the gecko world to loose such a great person/company. I have valued your comments, advice and expertise since iv been apart of this site.
Caring for any animal/s is a tough job even before you start adding other peoples into the equation too. One of the most heart breaking things I have learnt while studying is that there is only so much you as a single person can do and that you cant save them all. (I wish I was a super hero, so I could fly round and save all the mistreated geckos and other animals from bad owners but I'm not .)
your main priority should be your own and I'm confident that they all live very happy and full lives because your such a caring and dedicated person.
You will be missed lots if you do decide to leave but I wish you all the success and happiness in the future in what ever you decide to do next.

 

[KelliH]

You need to do what makes you happy.

 

[stager]

Sorry to see you go learned alot from your posts!

 

[Aurorae]

The fact that you've managed, as a businesswoman, to type what many of us long-timers are thinking, just shows how truly dedicated to your geckos you really are. I think many of us can agree that some breeders will carry on with their 'businesses' regardless of how ugly some aspects of it are becoming, simply because of the money and the rush - or so I imagine this to be the driving force behind such continuations. Whatever you decide, it's your choice and I know tons of us will be behind you. Although I don't live in the States and therefore never been fortunate enough to meet one of your creations, you have a stunning reputation and I wish you every success x

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

This year in 2012 may very well be the last year that Golden Gate Geckos operates as a business unless I can rethink my role in the scheme of things.

Some of you are already waving good-bye, so I am compelled to give more detail into my indecision.

Most of you are probably unaware that I am disabled with FMS and CFS, both autoimmune diseases. I also have degenerative bone disease, which is a progressive condition where my spine is disintegrating, putting pressure on my spinal cord. I had one surgery about a year and a half ago which helped me regain the use of both of my hands. My thoracic spine cannot be 'fixed'. I am in tremendous pain, and neurological pain is extremely difficult to manage medically.

I can no longer care for my geckos the way I feel they should be. This year was the first year that I was unable to find someone to work for me, and the geckos do not generate enough money to pay wages anymore. So, I am tired. I will most likely cut the number of animals I have to a minimum that I can manage, and will no longer be a 'business'. I am struggling to decide who stays and who goes. This is very tough.

 

[sunshinegeckos]

I hope that whatever decision you make you can be at peace with it. I know it will be a hard decision. Good luck and I hope you can be as pain free as possible.

 

[SamsonizeMe]

Your slurry recipe helped my Nebula pull through a difficult round of pregnancies. In my eyes you have more credibility than many of the "cutting edge" big-box/mill operations.

You might feel "old-school" or insignificant but you have a living legacy with your customers and those of us who've listened to/benefited from your advice.